Gloucester Cathedral is unveiling its new organ this June 2026, with a three-day festival featuring performances from internationally renowned musicians.
Taking place from Saturday 13 to Monday 15 June 2026, the festival begins with a gala concert featuring the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, conducted by Gloucester Cathedral's director of music, Adrian Partington, with internationally acclaimed organist, Thomas Trotter.
On Sunday, 'A Gloucestershire Cantata: Celebrating Young Voices' features a world premiere by composer Lin Marsh performed by children from the cathedral's Singing Academy, followed by an evening organ recital with Wayne Marshall.
Then on Monday, music enthusiasts can watch Wayne and local organ students explore the art of improvisation at a free event, providing a rare opportunity to get up-close to this incredible instrument.
Dean of Gloucester, the Very Reverend Andrew Zihni, said: 'This year’s Organ Festival is a thrilling highlight of the cathedral’s Year of Music, celebrating the unveiling of the magnificent new organ, an instrument built to lift hearts and inspire generations to come in worship and wonder.
'Bringing together world-class performers and the wider community, the weekend will showcase the instrument’s extraordinary range and marks an exciting new chapter in the cathedral’s musical life, a life rooted in the daily offering of prayer and praise. We look forward to welcoming all who can attend this special occasion.'
Canon Precentor, the Reverend Canon Craig Huxley-Jones, added: 'The Organ Festival is a powerful expression of our commitment here at the cathedral to creating musical partnerships and unlocking musical potential across the city, county and diocese. The new organ opens up exciting possibilities for collaboration, creativity and learning, and we are delighted to mark this with audiences from across Gloucestershire and beyond this June.'
Gloucester Cathedral launched its In Tune campaign to build a new organ and revitalise its musical education offering in 2023 and has raised over £2 million so far, with Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester among its patrons.
The organ at Gloucester Cathedral is the only complete 17th century cathedral organ case in the country and is considered one of the most prestigious instruments of its kind in the world.
It was originally constructed in 1666 by Thomas Harris and has links to everyone from Ivor Novello to the composer of the American national anthem, 'The Star Spangled Banner', John Stafford Smith.
Tickets to the Gloucester Cathedral Organ Festival opening gala concert start from £20, tickets for the organ recital cost £20 each, while tickets for 'A Gloucestershire Cantata' are free but must be pre-booked.
To book tickets, visit gloucestercathedral.org.uk/whats-on/organ-festival.
